When I initially found out that I was going to be writing forty blog entries this semester, I was hesitant that I would be able to do it. I have always been somewhat of a private person when it comes to sharing my thoughts and feelings in an extremely public forum. I didn't want to even put up an "about me" section on my Facebook page with all of my likes and dislikes.
Before I wrote my first blog entry, I contemplated for days about what to write...what would be interesting? Once I wrote my first, second and third blogs, it was as if my pen had taken on a life of its own. Blogging became a fun activity and no longer felt like an assignment. Most importantly, blogging has taught me to think outside of the box and to embrace my own thoughts and beliefs. I shouldn't be afraid to express my opinions. Having this confidence will help me to become a better person.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Sound of Music
It took over 200 professional dancers to create this incredible stunt at the Central Station in Belgium with only two rehearsals. Onlookers are clearly shocked and mezmerized by this unexpected twist in their travel plans. However, it brings a smile to everyones face and is one of those little unexpected surprises in life that can make you stop and realize how magical life can be. "The Sound of Music" is one of my favorite movies of all time and I loved watching this clever and flawless stunt...I only wish I had been there!
Wasted Space
I went back at my parent's house the other day and I was sitting on the couch upstairs in the den. I was looking around the room when I noticed my black and white Fender electric guitar sitting in the corner. About five years ago I decided that I was going to try a multitude of new things, like learning how to play this guitar (which is why I asked for it for Christmas one year) and learning to show up the boys on a skateboard, to name a few. The sad thing is, is that I have never even picked up this nice guitar. It is simply taking up wasted space in my house.
Noticing this has made me realize the amount of things over the course of my life that I have planned to do, but have never accomplished. I've decided that there is no time like the present to revisit my goals and give them a try now. With three months off of school, maybe I should grab that guitar and take lessons...who knows? Maybe I will love it!
Noticing this has made me realize the amount of things over the course of my life that I have planned to do, but have never accomplished. I've decided that there is no time like the present to revisit my goals and give them a try now. With three months off of school, maybe I should grab that guitar and take lessons...who knows? Maybe I will love it!
A Few of my Least Favorite Things...
1) Roller Coasters
2) Camping
3) Bugs
4) Long flights
5) Waking up early
6) Homework
7) Cheese
8) Finals Week
2) Camping
3) Bugs
4) Long flights
5) Waking up early
6) Homework
7) Cheese
8) Finals Week
Wedding Bliss
Little girls begin fantasizing about their future wedding from the moment they realize what a wedding actually is. I too, have fallen into this category. When I was little, my Dad took me to see "Father of the Bride" which quickly became my favorite movie of all time and a movie that my Dad and I always watch together. One our favorite singers, Steve Tyrell, sings a majority of the music in the film and I have always wanted all of these songs played at my wedding.
This past Christmas break, I went to New York with my friend Rachel. We were sitting at Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle hotel, when I heard a familiar voice a few tables over. I could immediately tell that it was Steve Tyrell, by his distinct voice. Within a few minutes, I was talking with him and his wife! I told him how much I have always wanted him to play at my wedding and not only did he say he would do it, but he gave me his personal cell phone number and home number. Who knows what the future holds and when or even if I will get married, but it is always fun to dream.
This past Christmas break, I went to New York with my friend Rachel. We were sitting at Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle hotel, when I heard a familiar voice a few tables over. I could immediately tell that it was Steve Tyrell, by his distinct voice. Within a few minutes, I was talking with him and his wife! I told him how much I have always wanted him to play at my wedding and not only did he say he would do it, but he gave me his personal cell phone number and home number. Who knows what the future holds and when or even if I will get married, but it is always fun to dream.
Absolut
One of my favorite print ad campaigns is for Absolut Vodka. The name Absolut is so versatile that it can be used to create thousands of witty and clever taglines. The company uses a simple formula--their signature bottle in the middle of the page with their brand name at the bottom. If you just heard this and had not seen any of the ads, you would I'm sure consider this to be typical and unimaginative. However, the agencies behind the Absolut campaign have taken a simple concept and turned it into something rich, complex and intriguing.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Stereotypes
I have been asked the most hilarious question a couple of times when I have traveled to several cosmopolitan cities, like New York. When I have casually mentioned that I am from Dallas, Texas, a couple of people have asked me the question, "So do you ride a horse to school every day?" or, "How many cattle do you have on your ranch?" While I have to admit it's funny to think that these cosmopolitan creatures think that everyone from Texas is born wearing a ten-gallon hat, spurred boots, and is listening to the latest Toby Keith album, I can't help but think in the back of my mind about how seriously they take culturally-normalized stereotypes. It's no secret that the nationally renowned Texan stereotype resembles that of the common country music video: proud redneck livin' and workin' on the ranch, ridin' horses and herdin' cattle during the day and a country honky-tonk at night. But what worries me is the fact that these stereotypes can seriously mold their judgment and perception of an individual. Personally, I never try to allow myself to judge someone based on stereotypes.
I've always tried to actively show a genuine interest in people I meet for the first time, not only because I could always benefit from making new friends and acquaintances, but also because I would hope that person would want to treat me in the same manner should he/she be in my shoes. That's why I find all stereotypes, from seemingly harmless Texan judgments to racially-charged assumptions, to be a danger. Why? Because these stereotypes allow people to judge strangers before they can ever meet on an individual level, never allowing each other to break down those stereotypical, judgmental barriers and allow a true bond to form.
I've always tried to actively show a genuine interest in people I meet for the first time, not only because I could always benefit from making new friends and acquaintances, but also because I would hope that person would want to treat me in the same manner should he/she be in my shoes. That's why I find all stereotypes, from seemingly harmless Texan judgments to racially-charged assumptions, to be a danger. Why? Because these stereotypes allow people to judge strangers before they can ever meet on an individual level, never allowing each other to break down those stereotypical, judgmental barriers and allow a true bond to form.
My Biggest Fear
Almost six years ago, my family and I received devastating news that would change our lives forever. It was the day after the 4th of July and I was on vacation with my family. During the late afternoon the phone rang and my Dad answered. My grandmother was on the other end crying hysterically. My mom's brother, my Uncle M.L., had passed away earlier that afternoon from a heart attack he suffered while on his boat, just ten days after his first son and my first cousin, Tres, was born. It was devastating news for the whole family and was completely unexpected. Why? How could this happen? He was only thirty-seven. He was healthy, happy, active and full of life. It just didn't make any sense.
Just two years before this horrible tragedy, my grandfather passed away from a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Sadly, he became ill with the disease while my grandmother was still in her forties. I cherish the few years I was able to spend with both my Uncle and my Grandfather, but am disheartened by the fact that I have not and will not be able to share the rest of my life with them.
A year ago this month, I was forced to say goodbye to another loved one, my Great-Grandmother, Meme. She was an incredible lady and I was extremely close to her from the day I was born until the day she passed away. In the final day of her life, my family and I gathered around her bedside in the ICU at Presbyterian Hospital and together turned off the life support. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Although I knew deep down it was time for her to move onto a better place, I was not yet ready to say goodbye. I do and will always miss her and love her dearly.
Losing a loved one is the most difficult thing in life to deal with. My family has supreme importance in my life and it is impossible to imagine life without them. My biggest fear in life is to lose more of those closest to me. After dealing with unexpected death, especially in the case of my Uncle, whose life was cut decades short, I consistently worry about the possibility of more tragedies in my family. If there is one thing I have realized, it is that I must cherish every single second, minute, hour and day that I am able to spend with my family.
Just two years before this horrible tragedy, my grandfather passed away from a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Sadly, he became ill with the disease while my grandmother was still in her forties. I cherish the few years I was able to spend with both my Uncle and my Grandfather, but am disheartened by the fact that I have not and will not be able to share the rest of my life with them.
A year ago this month, I was forced to say goodbye to another loved one, my Great-Grandmother, Meme. She was an incredible lady and I was extremely close to her from the day I was born until the day she passed away. In the final day of her life, my family and I gathered around her bedside in the ICU at Presbyterian Hospital and together turned off the life support. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Although I knew deep down it was time for her to move onto a better place, I was not yet ready to say goodbye. I do and will always miss her and love her dearly.
Losing a loved one is the most difficult thing in life to deal with. My family has supreme importance in my life and it is impossible to imagine life without them. My biggest fear in life is to lose more of those closest to me. After dealing with unexpected death, especially in the case of my Uncle, whose life was cut decades short, I consistently worry about the possibility of more tragedies in my family. If there is one thing I have realized, it is that I must cherish every single second, minute, hour and day that I am able to spend with my family.
"American Beauty"
Yesterday, when I was sitting outside studying, I was caught off guard by a plastic bag blowing in the wind. The bag circled around me flying up and down in the wind like a kite. This suddenly reminded me of a famous scene in the movie "American Beauty," in which one of the main characters films a plastic bag "dancing" in the wind for fifteen minutes. I always thought this was a profound scene in the film, however I never took the time to really experience it for myself. I sat and watched the bag skip about in the wind and realized how incredible even the most trivial and unimportant things in our world can be. Most people would consider a lone plastic bag from a local grocery store to be a piece of trash, but after gazing at for several minutes, it took on a different persona; it was almost as if it became a piece of art. It became one with the wind and allowed me to really observe the unique pattern of the wind. Amongst the stress of our fast-paced lives, it is always important to stop and appreciate the widely overlooked "beauties" in the world.
SWA Flight 372
No one listens to flight announcements anymore. Why? Because they are incredibly boring and monotonous. On a majority of flights around the world it would be a disaster if there actually was an emergency because no one would have a clue how to handle the situation. Even though all passengers have technically been briefed on the proper safety measures, no one ever pays attention. However, what if the safety announcements could be given in a fun, new and interactive way? That's just what David, a flight attendant on Southwest Airlines flight 372 did...
Dare to Dream
I recently came across this spot for the Porsche 911 and loved it. The commercial triggers emotion and resonates with the viewer. It positions the Porsche 911 as a special product in the consumer's mind from an early age. It turns the product into an achievement and a goal to strive for, as well as discusses the longevity of the car. I like how the spot captures childhood innocence and the power of a dream mixed with the maturity, power and strength of the product.
The Way to a Guy's Heart
A few of his favorite things...
1) sports--every guy has his favorite "team"
2) beer
3) pizza, well food in general
4) video games
5) girls minus the drama
6) sex
7) working out
8) power
10) sports bars
11) cars
12) big-screen TVs
14) hunting/guns
15) fishing
16) "boys nights"
1) sports--every guy has his favorite "team"
2) beer
3) pizza, well food in general
4) video games
5) girls minus the drama
6) sex
7) working out
8) power
10) sports bars
11) cars
12) big-screen TVs
14) hunting/guns
15) fishing
16) "boys nights"
No One is Perfect
Okay, let's be honest, why is America in such a tizzy about the fact that World Olympian was caught on camera taking a bong hit at a college party? Are we just supposed to completely discredit the amazing feats he's accomplished simply because he's doing something illegal (and frankly, an act that isn't quite on par with killing another person)? Why is our society so obsessed with moral cleanliness, this puritanical pursuit of perfection in our public figures, when many people I've come across couldn't explain moral cleanliness, let alone even spell it? I even find it even funnier that concerned parents reply to this question by saying, "We have to have perfect role models for our children!" I take contention with this point because it's almost as if this concerned parent, who I believe speaks the mentality of many of those perfectionists, because in reality, it's impossible to be perfect. Michael Phelps performed a feat so grand, so inspiring, and so heart-warming that he took an entire country, if not the whole world, by storm. He was the the role model of role models, a man who exemplified what can happen with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. But it's almost as if once he was caught with a bong that all those tremendous feats were thrown out the window faster than he could swim a 25-meter butterfly stroke.
But what about Lance Armstrong? No one talks about why he divorced his first wife. Isn't that just as damaging, if not a more damaging message to the children of America? Why are we so willing to look past Lance Armstrong's marital infidelity and revel in his personal determination but quickly ignore the equally amazing feats of Michael Phelps and discredit him for his personal lifestyle choices? It just doesn't make sense to me.
But what about Lance Armstrong? No one talks about why he divorced his first wife. Isn't that just as damaging, if not a more damaging message to the children of America? Why are we so willing to look past Lance Armstrong's marital infidelity and revel in his personal determination but quickly ignore the equally amazing feats of Michael Phelps and discredit him for his personal lifestyle choices? It just doesn't make sense to me.
Summerzcool 2009
Parrotheads came in droves to Pizza Hut Park in Frisco last Saturday for Jimmy Buffett's "Summerzcool" tour. The diehards arrived around 7:00am in RVs, buses, and trucks. Not only were their cars decorated, but people set up full bars, large speaker equipment and even entertainment centers outside in the parking lot. By the time I arrived around 5:30pm the party had been going strong for hours and the concert didn't even start until after 8:00pm.
The annual Jimmy Buffett concert is one of my favorite events of the year. Jimmy is one of the only entertainers that I can think of that can bring together such a loyal group of fans. Everyone at the concert is dressed up and enjoying themselves. I always feel as if I have been transported to beach, which is a great feeling to have in the Dallas flatland. This year I went with three of my best friends, Jacqueline, Rachel and Adele.
A letter to my future self...
Dear Future Emily,
As you read this letter, I'm sure you are no longer the same person that you were when you were writing this. However, I hope that you were able to hold onto to your values and beliefs and maintain the close bonds you have built with your family and friends. I hope wherever you are now, you are happy and healthy and living life to the fullest. I also hope that you have been able to get a steady job, that you love going to everyday. Whatever it is that you are doing now, I hope you have held onto your drive to succeed and have never given up when times are tough. I also hope that you have now found that special someone that you are going to spend the rest of your life with. I hope that you have held onto the belief that family is the most important thing in life and it must be cherished. Never take life for granted because it can be taken away at any second. Always remember the person that you were growing up and never stop going out and having fun with friends and family. I hope you have taken time to travel around the world and experience new and exciting things. If you now have kids or will soon, be a patient and loving mother. Instill in your children the values and beliefs that you were taught when you were growing up. Remember that life will never be perfect, but be the best you can be and cherish those closest to you and all that you have been blessed with. Don't forget to laugh, love and smile everyday. Don't sweat the small stuff. Stand up for what you believe in. Have fun and never give up on your childhood dreams (no matter how much time has past).
~Emily (2009)
As you read this letter, I'm sure you are no longer the same person that you were when you were writing this. However, I hope that you were able to hold onto to your values and beliefs and maintain the close bonds you have built with your family and friends. I hope wherever you are now, you are happy and healthy and living life to the fullest. I also hope that you have been able to get a steady job, that you love going to everyday. Whatever it is that you are doing now, I hope you have held onto your drive to succeed and have never given up when times are tough. I also hope that you have now found that special someone that you are going to spend the rest of your life with. I hope that you have held onto the belief that family is the most important thing in life and it must be cherished. Never take life for granted because it can be taken away at any second. Always remember the person that you were growing up and never stop going out and having fun with friends and family. I hope you have taken time to travel around the world and experience new and exciting things. If you now have kids or will soon, be a patient and loving mother. Instill in your children the values and beliefs that you were taught when you were growing up. Remember that life will never be perfect, but be the best you can be and cherish those closest to you and all that you have been blessed with. Don't forget to laugh, love and smile everyday. Don't sweat the small stuff. Stand up for what you believe in. Have fun and never give up on your childhood dreams (no matter how much time has past).
~Emily (2009)
An Important Conversation
I think I had what quite possibly could have been the most important conversation with my boyfriend a few nights ago, at a place and time that I could never have anticipated.
When I casually asked my boyfriend if he wanted to come with me to Church this Sunday, he was hesitant to say yes. After asking him why, he simply said that he had his reasons and quickly tried to change the subject, but I just couldn't let that be. I wanted to know why he wasn't at least somewhat willing to at least humor me as to why he wouldn't want to go. So after prodding him on for a little while, he finally confessed why he wouldn't want to go with me: he didn't really believe in God, nor did he believe in the concept of religion.
Now, I'd always had this impression that my boyfriend never really took his faith seriously, but to me, it was completely baffling. How could a southern boy like him, who grew up in a highly religious family (and even a brother who talked of being a pastor) completely shut himself out of religion? It just couldn't add up. When I asked him why he didn't follow religion, my boyfriend simply said that while he agreed with the philosophy of religion (being a moral person, being kind to others, etc.) he didn't pledge his faith to Jesus Christ. But this only made me more confused because to me, it felt like he was completely missing one of the most important aspects of Christianity: the importance of family! While he was concerned with the personal aspect of religion and why he didn't need religion to teach him how to be a good person, I felt like I had to explain to him why I consider my faith to be one of the most important things in my life.
My family has always held close to the teachings of Christianity, through the most tragic of tragedies to the most joyous of joys, and we've always believed that, through tough times and good times, in both life and in death, that we'll always be together. I told my boyfriend that those family members who have passed on are looking down on me in Heaven, where I have nothing but my faith and belief that when my time comes that I'll be reunited with them in a better place. I asked him what he thought would happen if, God forbid, his mother were to die tomorrow. Wouldn't he want to at least hold out hope that he could see her again, to at least talk with her and laugh with her? This rhetorical question really resonated with him because all of a sudden, he got very quiet, looking like he was deep into thought.
Then he told me that he'd never thought of the importance of religion in that sense, admitting that he'd always dismissed religion on the selfish level but never before considering how it would apply to both him and those closest to him. And then, when I asked him again if he wanted to go to Church with me, he quickly said yes. I know that he probably won't completely change his faith overnight, but all I can do is keep faith that he can understand where I'm coming from.
When I casually asked my boyfriend if he wanted to come with me to Church this Sunday, he was hesitant to say yes. After asking him why, he simply said that he had his reasons and quickly tried to change the subject, but I just couldn't let that be. I wanted to know why he wasn't at least somewhat willing to at least humor me as to why he wouldn't want to go. So after prodding him on for a little while, he finally confessed why he wouldn't want to go with me: he didn't really believe in God, nor did he believe in the concept of religion.
Now, I'd always had this impression that my boyfriend never really took his faith seriously, but to me, it was completely baffling. How could a southern boy like him, who grew up in a highly religious family (and even a brother who talked of being a pastor) completely shut himself out of religion? It just couldn't add up. When I asked him why he didn't follow religion, my boyfriend simply said that while he agreed with the philosophy of religion (being a moral person, being kind to others, etc.) he didn't pledge his faith to Jesus Christ. But this only made me more confused because to me, it felt like he was completely missing one of the most important aspects of Christianity: the importance of family! While he was concerned with the personal aspect of religion and why he didn't need religion to teach him how to be a good person, I felt like I had to explain to him why I consider my faith to be one of the most important things in my life.
My family has always held close to the teachings of Christianity, through the most tragic of tragedies to the most joyous of joys, and we've always believed that, through tough times and good times, in both life and in death, that we'll always be together. I told my boyfriend that those family members who have passed on are looking down on me in Heaven, where I have nothing but my faith and belief that when my time comes that I'll be reunited with them in a better place. I asked him what he thought would happen if, God forbid, his mother were to die tomorrow. Wouldn't he want to at least hold out hope that he could see her again, to at least talk with her and laugh with her? This rhetorical question really resonated with him because all of a sudden, he got very quiet, looking like he was deep into thought.
Then he told me that he'd never thought of the importance of religion in that sense, admitting that he'd always dismissed religion on the selfish level but never before considering how it would apply to both him and those closest to him. And then, when I asked him again if he wanted to go to Church with me, he quickly said yes. I know that he probably won't completely change his faith overnight, but all I can do is keep faith that he can understand where I'm coming from.
Mistaken Identity
It all started a few years ago when I was in Aspen, Colorado with my family. We were having dinner at a restaurant called Matsuhisa, when all of a sudden we began noticing that the people sitting at the table next to us couldn't stop staring over at our table. Not only were they staring, but they began pointing inconspicuously at my mom and faintly whispering, "look who it is! I can't believe she is sitting next to us!" By this point, we realize that they obviously think my mom is some sort of celebrity. We all think this is hilarious for a few minutes and then continue on with our dinner. Then, as soon as we stood up to get our coats and proceeded to walk out of the restaurant, the two women darted over and said, "we are so sorry to bother you, but can we please have your autograph? we love watching you on Nip/Tuck!" The funny thing is that no one in my family had seen Nip/Tuck, so we had absolutely no idea who the two women were talking about. However, this would not be the end of my mom's temporary "celebrity status."
Ever since then, people mistaking my mom for the mysterious "woman on Nip/Tuck" has become a regular occurrence, especially when we are on vacation. We found out from several people that the actress on Nip/Tuck everyone is referring to is Joely Richardson, who is the daughter of Tony Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave, and sister of Natasha Richardson, who died in a tragic ski accident in Canada last month.
It is funny how looks can be so deceiving. Just yesterday I was on the phone with my mom and she said she was out shopping and was stopped by a group of ladies thinking she was again, Joely Richardson. I always try to get her to play along. I guess she will need to work on her British accent first though...
Ever since then, people mistaking my mom for the mysterious "woman on Nip/Tuck" has become a regular occurrence, especially when we are on vacation. We found out from several people that the actress on Nip/Tuck everyone is referring to is Joely Richardson, who is the daughter of Tony Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave, and sister of Natasha Richardson, who died in a tragic ski accident in Canada last month.
It is funny how looks can be so deceiving. Just yesterday I was on the phone with my mom and she said she was out shopping and was stopped by a group of ladies thinking she was again, Joely Richardson. I always try to get her to play along. I guess she will need to work on her British accent first though...
Is reality TV taking over our lives?
Every time I turn on the TV there seems to be more and more reality shows. Scripted shows seem to be dwindling. Is this a sign that reality is more intriguing than fiction? Perhaps people can relate to "real people" better than idealized worlds created by actors. Or possibly, it is the complete opposite. Maybe the reason for the rise of the reality show culture is that networks are running out of ideas for sitcoms and dramas. Also, reality shows are easy to film and are far more inexpensive to create. There is a huge number of people who would be ready and willing to make their reality show debut for free just so that they can have their "fifteen minutes" of fame.
It is amazing what people will do to be on TV. I can't imagine going on a show like "Fear Factor." There is no amount of money in the world that I would eat live roaches for or lay in a bed of tarantulas. Reality TV has been around for many years, however, it really seemed to gain popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. Shows like "The Real World" and "Laguna Beach" targeted a new audience of teenagers who latched on to this concept. They were able to easily relate to the characters depicted on TV and even had the hope of one day being on their own reality show. One of the biggest reality show mega-hits has been American Idol. It is hard to believe that it has already been on the air for almost 8 years. People can't seem to get enough of Simon's harsh critiques. Today, there are too many reality shows to count and many of them have outranked scripted shows.
I admit that despite the often insignificant plot lines of reality shows such as "Keeping Up with the Kardashian's" or "The Hills," there is something so intriguing about getting a glimpse into someone else's "real" life. As much as people mock these reality shows, they still tune in daily.
It is amazing what people will do to be on TV. I can't imagine going on a show like "Fear Factor." There is no amount of money in the world that I would eat live roaches for or lay in a bed of tarantulas. Reality TV has been around for many years, however, it really seemed to gain popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. Shows like "The Real World" and "Laguna Beach" targeted a new audience of teenagers who latched on to this concept. They were able to easily relate to the characters depicted on TV and even had the hope of one day being on their own reality show. One of the biggest reality show mega-hits has been American Idol. It is hard to believe that it has already been on the air for almost 8 years. People can't seem to get enough of Simon's harsh critiques. Today, there are too many reality shows to count and many of them have outranked scripted shows.
I admit that despite the often insignificant plot lines of reality shows such as "Keeping Up with the Kardashian's" or "The Hills," there is something so intriguing about getting a glimpse into someone else's "real" life. As much as people mock these reality shows, they still tune in daily.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
After spending a week in Mexico for Spring Break without watching TV, I was baffled by what I discovered when I returned to Dallas. I came home, turned on the news and immediately heard the word "Twitter." I had absolutely no idea what this new phenomenon was. On almost every TV channel someone was giving out their twitter address and talking about what they just posted on the site. Celebrities like Ashton Kutcher were even having "twitter" competitions with other celebrities to see who could get the most "followers." Not only are celebrities using Twitter, but also news channels like CNN are using the website to give brief, current updates about what's going on in the news.
Although I quickly discovered the new popularity of twitter, I was still very unclear about what the website was actually for and how it could have gained popularity so rapidly. I was very skeptical about bringing another Facebook or Myspace into the world, but it seemed as if something about twitter was different. I decided the only way to have my questions answered was to log onto twitter.com and create my own twitter page.
I found that twitter is very easy to use and can be almost addictive as Facebook. I like how twitter solely consists of brief updates about what someone is doing rather than another portal into someone's entire life story. Who knows, maybe when everyone decides to make a twitter page, Facebook could become a thing of the past. This new media phenomenon makes me wonder what will become of the "it" websites of the future.
Is age just a number?
How is high school going? ...This is a question I get asked on a regular basis. Even though I am almost 21, the majority of people who meet me don't believe that I am a day older than 15. My parents always tell me that one day I will look back on this period in my life with nostalgia and will relish in my youthful looks, however, at this point in time I am not so amused. I can't believe that last year, as a freshman in college, I went to a PG-13 movie and was carded. This especially bothered me when I was about 13 or 14 and would go out to eat with my best friend. She would always be handed the adult menu and I would be given the children's menu with a box of crayons (not to mention that I was several months older than she was).
Of course, in the grand scheme of things, whether or not I look my actual age is not that big of a deal. However, at this time in my life, age seems to be so important. It comes up as a topic of conversation at almost every gathering with my friends. In college, everyone is always trying to look older to get into the next best club or bar.
After reflecting on my situation, I do think it is funny that age perception is dependent on a person's surroundings. For instance, when I am with my family and my little sister, people always think that I am about 15. However, when I am with my friends, I typically get 21 or 22. "Age" is really just dependent on how you dress and how you act. This has made me realize that age is just a number. You can be 25 and have the behavior of a 10-year-old, or you can be 13 and appear to have the maturity of a 23-year-old. Overall, as much as I hate the fact that people are baffled by the fact that I could actually be 20-years-old and in college, it is fun to be able to pull off such a wide variety of ages. Who knows, I guess it will be nice to be "25" when all of my friends are 30.
Of course, in the grand scheme of things, whether or not I look my actual age is not that big of a deal. However, at this time in my life, age seems to be so important. It comes up as a topic of conversation at almost every gathering with my friends. In college, everyone is always trying to look older to get into the next best club or bar.
After reflecting on my situation, I do think it is funny that age perception is dependent on a person's surroundings. For instance, when I am with my family and my little sister, people always think that I am about 15. However, when I am with my friends, I typically get 21 or 22. "Age" is really just dependent on how you dress and how you act. This has made me realize that age is just a number. You can be 25 and have the behavior of a 10-year-old, or you can be 13 and appear to have the maturity of a 23-year-old. Overall, as much as I hate the fact that people are baffled by the fact that I could actually be 20-years-old and in college, it is fun to be able to pull off such a wide variety of ages. Who knows, I guess it will be nice to be "25" when all of my friends are 30.
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